1910.152 the local fire/rescue department, appropriate medical professional, or local emergency room may be helpful to employers in these circumstances. By assessing the specific needs of their workplace, employers can ensure that reasonably anticipated supplies are available. Employers should assess the specific needs of their worksite periodically and augment the first aid kit appropriately. If it is reasonably anticipated that employees will be exposed to blood or other potentially infectious materials while using first aid supplies, employers are required to provide appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) in compliance with the provisions of the Occupational Exposure to Blood borne Pathogens standard, 1910.1030(d)(3) (56 FR 64175). This standard lists appropriate PPE for this type of exposure, such as gloves, gowns, face shields, masks, and eye protection. [39 FR 23502, June 27, 1974, as amended at 63 FR 33466, June 18, 1998] 1910.152 [Reserved] Subpart L Fire Protection AUTHORITY: Sections 4, 6, and 8 of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (29 U.S.C. 653, 655, 657); Secretary of Labor s Order No. 12 71 (36 FR 8754), 8 76 (41 FR 25059), 9 83 (48 F 35736), 6 96 (62 FR 111), or 3 2000 (65 FR 50017), as applicable; and 29 CFR part 1911. 1910.155 Scope, application and definitions applicable to this subpart. (a) Scope. This subpart contains requirements for fire brigades, and all portable and fixed fire suppression equipment, fire detection systems, and fire or employee alarm systems installed to meet the fire protection requirements of 29 CFR part 1910. (b) Application. This subpart applies to all employments except for maritime, construction, and agriculture. (c) Definitions applicable to this subpart. (1) After-flame means the time a test specimen continues to flame after the flame source has been removed. (2) Aqueous film forming foam (AFFF) means a fluorinated surfactant with a foam stabilizer which is diluted with water to act as a temporary barrier to exclude air from mixing with the fuel vapor by developing an aqueous film on the fuel surface of some hydrocarbons which is capable of suppressing the generation of fuel vapors. (3) Approved means acceptable to the Assistant Secretary under the following criteria: (i) If it is accepted, or certified, or listed, or labeled or otherwise determined to be safe by a nationally recognized testing laboratory; or (ii) With respect to an installation or equipment of a kind which no nationally recognized testing laboratory accepts, certifies, lists, labels, or determines to be safe, if it is inspected or tested by another Federal agency and found in compliance with the provisions of the applicable National Fire Protection Association Fire Code; or (iii) With respect to custom-made equipment or related installations which are designed, fabricated for, and intended for use by its manufacturer on the basis of test data which the employer keeps and makes available for inspection to the Assistant Secretary. (iv) For the purposes of paragraph (c)(3) of this section: (A) Equipment is listed if it is of a kind mentioned in a list which is published by a nationally recognized testing laboratory which makes periodic inspections of the production of such equipment and which states that such equipment meets nationally recognized standards or has been tested and found safe for use in a specified manner; (B) Equipment is labeled if there is attached to it a label, symbol, or other identifying mark of a nationally recognized testing laboratory which makes periodic inspections of the production of such equipment, and whose labeling indicates compliance with nationally recognized standards or tests to determine safe use in a specified manner; (C) Equipment is accepted if it has been inspected and found by a nationally recognized testing laboratory to conform to specified plans or to procedures of applicable codes; and (D) Equipment is certified if it has been tested and found by a nationally recognized testing laboratory to meet nationally recognized standards or to be safe for use in a specified manner or is of a kind whose production is periodically inspected by a nationally recognized testing laboratory, and if it bears a label, tag, or other record of certification. 496 VerDate jul<14>2003 12:04 Aug 19, 2003 Jkt 200109 PO 00000 Frm 00496 Fmt 8010 Sfmt 8002 Y:\SGML\200109T.XXX 200109T
Occupational Safety and Health Admin., Labor 1910.155 (E) Refer to 1910.7 for definition of nationally recognized testing laboratory. (4) Assistant Secretary means the Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health or designee. (5) Automatic fire detection device means a device designed to automatically detect the presence of fire by heat, flame, light, smoke or other products of combustion. (6) Buddy-breathing device means an accessory to self-contained breathing apparatus which permits a second person to share the same air supply as that of the wearer of the apparatus. (7) Carbon dioxide means a colorless, odorless, electrically nonconductive inert gas (chemical formula CO 2) that is a medium for extinguishing fires by reducing the concentration of oxygen or fuel vapor in the air to the point where conbustion is impossible. (8) Class A fire means a fire involving ordinary combustible materials such as paper, wood, cloth, and some rubber and plastic materials. (9) Class B fire means a fire involving flammable or combustible liquids, flammable gases, greases and similar materials, and some rubber and plastic materials. (10) Class C fire means a fire involving energized electrical equipment where safety to the employee requires the use of electrically nonconductive extinguishing media. (11) Class D fire means a fire involving combustible metals such as magnesium, titanium, zirconium, sodium, lithium and potassium. (12) Dry chemical means an extinguishing agent composed of very small particles of chemicals such as, but not limited to, sodium bicarbonate, potassium bicarbonate, urea-based potassium bicarbonate, potassium chloride, or monoammonium phosphate supplemented by special treatment to provide resistance to packing and moisture absorption (caking) as well as to provide proper flow capabilities. Dry chemical does not include dry powders. (13) Dry powder means an compound used to extinguish or control Class D fires. (14) Education means the process of imparting knowledge or skill through systematic instruction. It does not require formal classroom instruction. (15) Enclosed structure means a structure with a roof or ceiling and at least two walls which may present fire hazards to employees, such as accumulations of smoke, toxic gases and heat, similar to those found in buildings. (16) Extinguisher classification means the letter classification given an extinguisher to designate the class or classes of fire on which an extinguisher will be effective. (17) Extinguisher rating means the numerical rating given to an extinguisher which indicates the extinguishing potential of the unit based on standardized tests developed by Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. (18) Fire brigade (private fire department, industrial fire department) means an organized group of employees who are knowledgeable, trained, and skilled in at least basic fire fighting operations. (19) Fixed extinguishing system means a permanently installed system that either extinguishes or controls a fire at the location of the system. (20) Flame resistance is the property of materials, or combinations of component materials, to retard ignition and restrict the spread of flame. (21) Foam means a stable aggregation of small bubbles which flow freely over a burning liquid surface and form a coherent blanket which seals combustible vapors and thereby extinguishes the fire. (22) Gaseous agent is a fire extinguishing agent which is in the gaseous state at normal room temperature and pressure. It has low viscosity, can expand or contract with changes in pressure and temperature, and has the ability to diffuse readily and to distribute itself uniformly throughout an enclosure. (23) Halon 1211 means a colorless, faintly sweet smelling, electrically nonconductive liquefied gas (chemical formula CBrC1F 2) which is a medium for extinguishing fires by inhibiting the chemical chain reaction of fuel and oxygen. It is also known as bromochlorodifluoromethane. (24) Halon 1301 means a colorless, odorless, electrically nonconductive gas (chemical formula CBrF 3) which is 497 VerDate jul<14>2003 12:04 Aug 19, 2003 Jkt 200109 PO 00000 Frm 00497 Fmt 8010 Sfmt 8002 Y:\SGML\200109T.XXX 200109T
1910.155 a medium for extinguishing fires by inhibiting the chemical chain reaction of fuel and oxygen. It is also known as bromotrifluoromethane. (25) Helmet is a head protective device consisting of a rigid shell, energy absorption system, and chin strap intended to be worn to provide protection for the head or portions thereof, against impact, flying or falling objects, electric shock, penetration, heat and flame. (26) Incipient stage fire means a fire which is in the initial or beginning stage and which can be controlled or extinguished by portable fire extinguishers, Class II standpipe or small hose systems without the need for protective clothing or breathing apparatus. (27) Inspection means a visual check of fire protection systems and equipment to ensure that they are in place, charged, and ready for use in the event of a fire. (28) Interior structural fire fighting means the physical activity of fire suppression, rescue or both, inside of buildings or enclosed structures which are involved in a fire situation beyond the incipient stage. (29) Lining means a material permanently attached to the inside of the outer shell of a garment for the purpose of thermal protection and padding. (30) Local application system means a fixed fire suppression system which has a supply of extinguishing agent, with nozzles arranged to automatically discharge extinguishing agent directly on the burning material to extinguish or control a fire. (31) Maintenance means the performance of services on fire protection equipment and systems to assure that they will perform as expected in the event of a fire. Maintenance differs from inspection in that maintenance requires the checking of internal fittings, devices and agent supplies. (32) Multipurpose dry chemical means a dry chemical which is approved for use on Class A, Class B and Class C fires. (33) Outer shell is the exterior layer of material on the fire coat and protective trousers which forms the outermost barrier between the fire fighter and the environment. It is attached to the vapor barrier and liner and is usually constructed with a storm flap, suitable closures, and pockets. (34) Positive-pressure breathing apparatus means self-contained breathing apparatus in which the pressure in the breathing zone is positive in relation to the immediate environment during inhalation and exhalation. (35) Pre-discharge employee alarm means an alarm which will sound at a set time prior to actual discharge of an extinguishing system so that employees may evacuate the discharge area prior to system discharge. (36) Quick disconnect valve means a device which starts the flow of air by inserting of the hose (which leads from the facepiece) into the regulator of self-contained breathing apparatus, and stops the flow of air by disconnection of the hose from the regulator. (37) Sprinkler alarm means an approved device installed so that any waterflow from a sprinkler system equal to or greater than that from single automatic sprinkler will result in an audible alarm signal on the premises. (38) Sprinkler system means a system of piping designed in accordance with fire protection engineering standards and installed to control or extinguish fires. The system includes an adequate and reliable water supply, and a network of specially sized piping and sprinklers which are interconnected. The system also includes a control valve and a device for actuating an alarm when the system is in operation. (39) Standpipe systems. (i) Class I standpipe system means a 2 1 2 (6.3 cm) hose connection for use by fire departments and those trained in handling heavy fire streams. (ii) Class II standpipe system means a 1 1 2 (3.8 cm) hose system which provides a means for the control or extinguishment of incipient stage fires. (iii) Class III standpipe system means a combined system of hose which is for the use of employees trained in the use of hose operations and which is capable of furnishing effective water discharge during the more advanced stages of fire (beyond the incipient stage) in the interior of workplaces. Hose outlets are available for both 1 1 2 (3.8 cm) and 2 1 2 (6.3 cm) hose. 498 VerDate jul<14>2003 12:04 Aug 19, 2003 Jkt 200109 PO 00000 Frm 00498 Fmt 8010 Sfmt 8002 Y:\SGML\200109T.XXX 200109T
Occupational Safety and Health Admin., Labor 1910.156 (iv) Small hose system means a system of hose ranging in diameter from 5 8 (1.6 cm up to 1 1 2 (3.8 cm) which is for the use of employees and which provides a means for the control and extinguishment of incipient stage fires. (40) Total flooding system means a fixed suppression system which is arranged to automatically discharge a predetermined concentration of agent into an enclosed space for the purpose of fire extinguishment or control. (41) Training means the process of making proficient through instruction and hands-on practice in the operation of equipment, including respiratory protection equipment, that is expected to be used and in the performance of assigned duties. (42) Vapor barrier means that material used to prevent or substantially inhibit the transfer of water, corrosive liquids and steam or other hot vapors from the outside of a garment to the wearer s body. [45 FR 60704, Sept. 12, 1980, as amended at 53 FR 12122, Apr. 12, 1988] 1910.156 Fire brigades. (a) Scope and application (1) Scope. This section contains requirements for the organization, training, and personal protective equipment of fire brigades whenever they are established by an employer. (2) Application. The requirements of this section apply to fire brigades, industrial fire departments and private or contractual type fire departments. Personal protective equipment requirements apply only to members of fire brigades performing interior structural fire fighting. The requirements of this section do not apply to airport crash rescue or forest fire fighting operations. (b) Organization (1) Organizational statement. The employer shall prepare and maintain a statement or written policy which establishes the existence of a fire brigade; the basic organizational structure; the type, amount, and frequency of training to be provided to fire brigade members; the expected number of members in the fire brigade; and the functions that the fire brigade is to perform at the workplace. The organizational statement shall be available for inspection by the Assistant Secretary and by employees or their designated representatives. (2) Personnel. The employer shall assure that employees who are expected to do interior structural fire fighting are physically capable of performing duties which may be assigned to them during emergencies. The employer shall not permit employees with known heart disease, epilepsy, or emphysema, to participate in fire brigade emergency activities unless a physician s certificate of the employees fitness to participate in such activities is provided. For employees assigned to fire brigades before September 15, 1980, this paragraph is effective on September 15, 1990. For employees assigned to fire brigades on or after September 15, 1980, this paragraph is effective December 15, 1980. (c) Training and education. (1) The employer shall provide training and education for all fire brigade members commensurate with those duties and functions that fire brigade members are expected to perform. Such training and education shall be provided to fire brigade members before they perform fire brigade emergency activities. Fire brigade leaders and training instructors shall be provided with training and education which is more comprehensive than that provided to the general membership of the fire brigade. (2) The employer shall assure that training and education is conducted frequently enough to assure that each member of the fire brigade is able to perform the member s assigned duties and functions satisfactorily and in a safe manner so as not to endanger fire brigade members or other employees. All fire brigade members shall be provided with training at least annually. In addition, fire brigade members who are expected to perform interior structural fire fighting shall be provided with an education session or training at least quarterly. (3) The quality of the training and education program for fire brigade members shall be similar to those conducted by such fire training schools as the Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute; Iowa Fire Service Extension; West Virginia Fire Service Extension; Georgia Fire Academy, New York State Department, Fire Prevention and 499 VerDate jul<14>2003 12:04 Aug 19, 2003 Jkt 200109 PO 00000 Frm 00499 Fmt 8010 Sfmt 8002 Y:\SGML\200109T.XXX 200109T
1910.156 Control; Louisiana State University Firemen Training Program, or Washington State s Fire Service Training Commission for Vocational Education. (For example, for the oil refinery industry, with its unique hazards, the training and education program for those fire brigade members shall be similar to those conducted by Texas A & M University, Lamar University, Reno Fire School, or the Delaware State Fire School.) (4) The employer shall inform fire brigade members about special hazards such as storage and use of flammable liquids and gases, toxic chemicals, radioactive sources, and water reactive substances, to which they may be exposed during fire and other emergencies. The fire brigade members shall also be advised of any changes that occur in relation to the special hazards. The employer shall develop and make available for inspection by fire brigade members, written procedures that describe the actions to be taken in situations involving the special hazards and shall include these in the training and education program. (d) Fire fighting equipment. The employer shall maintain and inspect, at least annually, fire fighting equipment to assure the safe operational condition of the equipment. Portable fire extinguishers and respirators shall be inspected at least monthly. Fire fighting equipment that is in damaged or unserviceable condition shall be removed from service and replaced. (e) Protective clothing. The following requirements apply to those employees who perform interior structural fire fighting. The requirements do not apply to employees who use fire extinguishers or standpipe systems to control or extinguish fires only in the incipient stage. (1) General. (i) The employer shall provide at no cost to the employee and assure the use of protective clothing which complies with the requirements of this paragraph. The employer shall assure that protective clothing ordered or purchased after July 1, 1981, meets the requirements contained in this paragraph. As the new equipment is provided, the employer shall assure that all fire brigade members wear the equipment when performing interior structural fire fighting. After July 1, 1985, the employer shall assure that all fire brigade members wear protective clothing meeting the requirements of this paragraph when performing interior structural fire fighting. (ii) The employer shall assure that protective clothing protects the head, body, and extremities, and consists of at least the following components: foot and leg protection; hand protection; body protection; eye, face and head protection. (2) Foot and leg protection. (i) Foot and leg protection shall meet the requirements of paragraphs (e)(2)(ii) and (e)(2)(iii) of this section, and may be achieved by either of the following methods: (A) Fully extended boots which provide protection for the legs; or (B) Protective shoes or boots worn in combination with protective trousers that meet the requirements of paragraph (e)(3) of this section. (ii) Protective footwear shall meet the requirements of 1910.136 for Class 75 footwear. In addition, protective footwear shall be water-resistant for at least 5 inches (12.7 cm) above the bottom of the heel and shall be equipped with slip-resistant outer soles. (iii) Protective footwear shall be tested in accordance with paragraph (1) of appendix E, and shall provide protection against penetration of the midsole by a size 8D common nail when at least 300 pounds (1330 N) of static force is applied to the nail. (3) Body protection. (i) Body protection shall be coordinated with foot and leg protection to ensure full body protection for the wearer. This shall be achieved by one of the following methods: (A) Wearing of a fire-resistive coat meeting the requirements of paragraph (e)(3)(ii) of this section in combination with fully extended boots meeting the requirements of paragraphs (e)(2)(ii) and (e)(2)(iii) of this section; or (B) Wearing of a fire-resistive coat in combination with protective trousers both of which meet the requirements of paragraph (e)(3)(ii) of this section. (ii) The performance, construction, and testing of fire-resistive coats and protective trousers shall be at least equivalent to the requirements of the 500 VerDate jul<14>2003 12:04 Aug 19, 2003 Jkt 200109 PO 00000 Frm 00500 Fmt 8010 Sfmt 8002 Y:\SGML\200109T.XXX 200109T
Occupational Safety and Health Admin., Labor 1910.156 National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standard NFPA No. 1971 1975, Protective Clothing for Structural Fire Fighting, which is incorporated by reference as specified in 1910.6, (See appendix D to subpart L) with the following permissible variations from those requirements: (A) Tearing strength of the outer shell shall be a minimum of 8 pounds (35.6 N) in any direction when tested in accordance with paragraph (2) of appendix E; and (B) The outer shell may discolor but shall not separate or melt when placed in a forced air laboratory oven at a temperature of 500 F (260 C) for a period of five minutes. After cooling to ambient temperature and using the test method specified in paragraph (3) of appendix E, char length shall not exceed 4.0 inches (10.2 cm) and afterflame shall not exceed 2.0 seconds. (4) Hand protection. (i) Hand protection shall consist of protective gloves or glove system which will provide protection against cut, puncture, and heat penetration. Gloves or glove system shall be tested in accordance with the test methods contained in the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) 1976 publication, The Development of Criteria for Fire Fighter s Gloves; Vol. II, Part II: Test Methods, which is incorporated by reference as specified in 1910.6, (See appendix D to subpart L) and shall meet the following criteria for cut, puncture, and heat penetration: (A) Materials used for gloves shall resist surface cut by a blade with an edge having a 60 included angle and a.001 inch (.0025 cm.) radius, under an applied force of 16 lbf (72N), and at a slicing velocity of greater or equal to 60 in/ min (2.5 cm./sec); (B) Materials used for the palm and palm side of the fingers shall resist puncture by a penetrometer (simulating a 4d lath nail), under an applied force of 13.2 lbf (60N), and at a velocity greater or equal to 20 in/min (.85 cm./ sec); and (C) The temperature inside the palm and gripping surface of the fingers of gloves shall not exceed 135 F (57 C) when gloves or glove system are exposed to 932 F (500 C) for five seconds at 4 psi (28 kpa) pressure. (ii) Exterior materials of gloves shall be flame resistant and shall be tested in accordance with paragraph (3) of appendix E. Maximum allowable afterflame shall be 2.0 seconds, and the maximum char length shall be 4.0 inches (10.2 cm). (iii) When design of the fire-resistive coat does not otherwise provide protection for the wrists, protective gloves shall have wristlets of at least 4.0 inches (10.2 cm) in length to protect the wrist area when the arms are extended upward and outward from the body. (5) Head, eye and face protection. (i) Head protection shall consist of a protective head device with ear flaps and chin strap which meet the performance, construction, and testing requirements of the National Fire Safety and Research Office of the National Fire Prevention and Control Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce (now known as the U.S. Fire Administration), which are contained in Model Performance Criteria for Structural Firefighters Helmets (August 1977) which is incorporated by reference as specified in 1910.6, (See appendix D to subpart L). (ii) Protective eye and face devices which comply with 1910.133 shall be used by fire brigade members when performing operations where the hazards of flying or falling materials which may cause eye and face injuries are present. Protective eye and face devices provided as accessories to protective head devices (face shields) are permitted when such devices meet the requirements of 1910.133. (iii) Full facepieces, helmets, or hoods of breathing apparatus which meet the requirements of 1910.134 and paragraph (f) of this section, shall be acceptable as meeting the eye and face protection requirements of paragraph (e)(5)(ii) of this section. (f) Respiratory protection devices. (1) General requirements. (i) The employer must ensure that respirators are provided to, and used by, fire brigade members, and that the respirators meet the requirements of 29 CFR 1910.134 and this paragraph. (ii) Approved self-contained breathing apparatus with full-facepiece, or 501 VerDate jul<14>2003 12:04 Aug 19, 2003 Jkt 200109 PO 00000 Frm 00501 Fmt 8010 Sfmt 8002 Y:\SGML\200109T.XXX 200109T
1910.157 with approved helmet or hood configuration, shall be provided to and worn by fire brigade members while working inside buildings or confined spaces where toxic products of combustion or an oxygen deficiency may be present. Such apparatus shall also be worn during emergency situations involving toxic substances. (iii) Approved self-contained breathing apparatus may be equipped with either a buddy-breathing device or a quick disconnect valve, even if these devices are not certified by NIOSH. If these accessories are used, they shall not cause damage to the apparatus, or restrict the air flow of the apparatus, or obstruct the normal operation of the apparatus. (iv) Approved self-contained compressed air breathing apparatus may be used with approved cylinders from other approved self-contained compressed air breathing apparatus provided that such cylinders are of the same capacity and pressure rating. All compressed air cylinders used with self-contained breathing apparatus shall meet DOT and NIOSH criteria. (v) Self-contained breathing apparatuses must have a minimum service-life rating of 30 minutes in accordance with the methods and requirements specified by NIOSH under 42 CFR part 84, except for escape selfcontained breathing apparatus (ESCBAs) used only for emergency escape purposes. (vi) Self-contained breathing apparatus shall be provided with an indicator which automatically sounds an audible alarm when the remaining service life of the apparatus is reduced to within a range of 20 to 25 percent of its rated service time. (2) Positive-pressure breathing apparatus. (i) The employer shall assure that self-contained breathing apparatus ordered or purchased after July 1, 1981, for use by fire brigade members performing interior structural fire fighting operations, are of the pressure-demand or other positive-pressure type. Effective July 1, 1983, only pressure-demand or other positive-pressure self-contained breathing apparatus shall be worn by fire brigade members performing interior structural fire fighting. (ii) This paragraph does not prohibit the use of a self-contained breathing apparatus where the apparatus can be switched from a demand to a positivepressure mode. However, such apparatus shall be in the positive-pressure mode when fire brigade members are performing interior structural fire fighting operations. [45 FR 60706, Sept. 12, 1980; 46 FR 24557, May 1, 1981; 49 FR 18295, Apr. 30, 1984; 61 FR 9239, Mar. 7, 1996; 63 FR 1284, Jan. 8, 1998; 63 FR 33467, June 18, 1998] PORTABLE FIRE SUPPRESSION EQUIPMENT 1910.157 Portable fire extinguishers. (a) Scope and application. The requirements of this section apply to the placement, use, maintenance, and testing of portable fire extinguishers provided for the use of employees. Paragraph (d) of this section does not apply to extinguishers provided for employee use on the outside of workplace buildings or structures. Where extinguishers are provided but are not intended for employee use and the employer has an emergency action plan and a fire prevention plan that meet the requirements of 29 CFR 1910.38 and 29 CFR 1910.39 respectively, then only the requirements of paragraphs (e) and (f) of this section apply. (b) Exemptions. (1) Where the employer has established and implemented a written fire safety policy which requires the immediate and total evacuation of employees from the workplace upon the sounding of a fire alarm signal and which includes an emergency action plan and a fire prevention plan which meet the requirements of 29 CFR 1910.38 and 29 CFR 1910.39 respectively, and when extinguishers are not available in the workplace, the employer is exempt from all requirements of this section unless a specific standard in part 1910 requires that a portable fire extinguisher be provided. (2) Where the employer has an emergency action plan meeting the requirements of 1910.38 which designates certain employees to be the only employees authorized to use the available portable fire extinguishers, and which requires all other employees in the fire 502 VerDate jul<14>2003 12:04 Aug 19, 2003 Jkt 200109 PO 00000 Frm 00502 Fmt 8010 Sfmt 8010 Y:\SGML\200109T.XXX 200109T